Athena Sinead Zimon, MD

Where are you from?     
I’m a local! I grew up in Tucson.
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?    
I loved the program’s emphasis on care for underserved populations and learning to provide a broad spectrum of care, so our patients don’t have to struggle to access as many specialty services or go without necessary care. I loved that it had the option to learn medical Spanish and learn about evidence-based alternative medicine. Most of all, I loved how everyone seemed extremely kind and supportive and cared a lot about supporting each other.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?    
I’m excited to establish a new relationship with Tucson as an adult! I want to eat so much food at all the restaurants I was too picky to try as a kid. I’m really excited to spend time with my family who lives here.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?    
I love to garden, both for decoration and for food, and I am especially passionate about growing tomatoes. I’ve been reading all about techniques for saving water with vegetable and flower gardening. I also am a big crafter. I sew, I knit, I hot-glue-gun excessively. Now we have a shed in our backyard and my spouse is mildly in dread of the day I decide to get power tools.
What are your professional interests within medicine?     
I am passionate about expanding access to care for those who have trouble affording, physically getting to, or understanding their medical needs. I really enjoy helping people feel in control of their reproductive health, whether through managing periods, contraception, or pregnancy. I care a lot about integrating mental and physical health care, so treating addiction, anxiety, and depression are passions of mine. I also care a lot about weight bias in medicine, so empowering people with all body types to feel good and healthy in their current bodies. The unifying factor in all of these interests is a focus on trauma-informed care.
Favorite way to spend a day off?    
Waking up slowly with a cup of coffee made by my beloved spouse, playing with my two cats Agnes and Big Scout, then going to brunch with friends and spending the afternoon in the garden and listening to an audiobook while pulling weeds.
Top item on your "Bucket list"? 
Go on a multi-day solo hike through a redwood, old-growth forest. Have a profound spiritual moment with an elk or a rare beetle or something a la Reese Witherspoon in “Wild.”